About This Festival
Welcome to Puerto Rico
Join choirs from across the United States and Canada at the Discover Puerto Rico Choral Festival. Perform for appreciative audiences in the culturally rich southern Puerto Rico city of Ponce. Broaden your understanding of the unique aspects of Caribbean and Puerto Rican choral traditions during a workshop at the Juan Morel Campos Institute of Music in Ponce. Choose between hotel accommodations in the historic city center of Ponce, or at a fabulous beachside resort.
The City of Ponce welcomes your choir at the opening event hosted by city officials and featuring local performances. The citizens of Ponce rejoice in the festival’s main event, where visiting and local choirs will both entertain the large and enthusiastic audience at the La Perla Theater on Sunday night. Celebrate Puerto Rico’s unique musical traditions during four days of singing. Discover the beautiful sights and people of this lovely Caribbean island! Ready to get started? Contact us today!
The Performance Experience
Day 1: WELCOME TO PUERTO RICO!
Your Discover Puerto Rico experience starts with a flight to San Juan, where your Music Contact International tour manager will greet you at the airport.
Together, board a private motorcoach and begin sightseeing in the historic center. Pass by La Fortaleza, the official residence of the Governor of Puerto Rico. Walk through the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan to El Morro, the 15th-century Spanish fort at the mouth of San Juan Harbor.
Drive across the island to Ponce. Attend the opening ceremony of Discover Puerto Rico with wonderful performances by local Puerto Rican musicians and welcoming words from host city representatives. After the presentation, you’ll be treated to a lovely dinner and have an opportunity to mingle with fellow attendees.
Day 2: PONCE: “LA PERLA DEL SUR” (PEARL OF THE SOUTH)
This morning, participate in a workshop on Puerto Rican music, and have fun learning about classic local genres such as bomba and plena. Also rehearse the festival theme song, to be performed by all choirs en masse on the last night of the festival.
Tonight, friendship concerts with local ensembles take place across Ponce. In a fabulous musical encounter, perform, socialize, and share dinner with new Puerto Rican friends!
Day 3: CHURCH & EXPLORATION | GRAND CONCERT
Start the day singing at a worship service in one of Ponce’s beautiful churches. The warm, friendly congregations are delightful hosts! Then, enjoy shopping in town or exploring at the beach.
Later, perform in the festival Grand Concert at the newly renovated Teatro La Perla! First present an individual program, and then join voices on the festival theme song, composed by Puerto Rican composer and co-artistic director of the festival, Mr. Rubén Colón Tarrats. Concert celebrations continue at a farewell reception, bringing Discover Puerto Rico to a close!
Day 4: FLY HOME OR EXTEND YOUR STAY
Ask us about additional days of touring in Puerto Rico, and when it's time to go, we'll send your group off at the airport with memories to last a lifetime!